Snake plants are easy, adaptable, and beautiful.

They also happen to be great for people with allergies, or if just want to improve the overall quality of the air in your home or office. Let’s explore what makes these handsome and beneficial plants such a great addition to any home.   

Snake Plant Overview

There are a few different varieties of snake plants, all of which fall under the botanical name of Sansevieria. Most varieties are known by the full botanical name Sansevieria trifasciata. 

 Known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue in some parts of the world, snake plants are very easy to care for. they can handle both full and low light conditions, and do not require very much water. This makes it ideal for beginners. 

Indoor Snake Plant Benefits 

Having a snake plant into your home or office provides many benefits that you are sure to appreciate:

Toxin-Fighting

The popularity of the snake plant soared after an extensive plant study on air-purity in space stations was published by NASA in 1989. They found that snake plants, along with several other house plants, were the top reducers of indoor air pollutants.

One of the most important ways that snake plants purify the air is through the removal of toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. Many of the other plants studied by NASA only succeeded at removing one or two toxins, but snake plants are able to remove four major toxins from the air. This makes them one of the most effective toxin-fighting plants you can buy.

Allergy-Reducing

Another great way that snake plants improve the air quality of your home is through their effect on allergens. They release lots of oxygen and add moisture to the air, which lessens the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander.

 If you find that you have trouble sleeping because your sore throat or stuffy nose keeps you awake at night, think about putting a snake plant in your bedroom. They mostly create oxygen at night, which helps contribute to easier breathing as you fall asleep.  

Snake Plant Care is Easy

Not only are snake plants helpful in fighting airborne allergens and toxins, they’re also extremely easy to care for. In fact, many professional gardeners and plant experts recommend them to beginners because they’re almost impossible to kill. It’s almost too easy to keep them happy. 

Snake Plant Care Tips

Snake plants thrive indoors and will put forth strong, shiny leaves for years to come if you follow a few simple care instructions.

Lighting and Placement

Unlike many other plants, snake plants can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from low light to full sun. However, they actually prefer indirect sunlight. 

 The ideal placement for a snake plant is a few feet away from a west or east-facing window so they can absorb the required 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. If you notice that the light falls directly on your snake plant, move it away from the window or cover the window with a sheer shade or curtain.

Watering

Snake plants don’t require very much water, especially in the winter. Depending on how warm your home environment is, you’ll only need to water your snake plant every 2-6 weeks. Feel the soil before you water your plant and ensure it’s completely dry before you give it more water.  

Seasonal Care

Snake plants can survive a wide variety of temperatures, but they don’t like the snow or frost. Make sure to keep them inside during the winter. They are quite pest-resistant but may be vulnerable to mealybugs or spider mites if they’re kept outdoors.   

How to Handle Yellowing Leaves

If you notice that the leaves on your snake plant are looking yellow, it’s a sign that it’s in distress. This could be due to cold temperatures or overwatering. If you notice yellow leaves, move the pot to a warmer location, and ensure you’re letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.   

Be sure to also read: How to care for a sansevieria

A Warning for Pet Owners

Although snake plants are beautiful and have many benefits for humans, they are toxic to household pets. Ingesting a snake plant leaf will irritate your pet’s mouth and can cause digestive issues.

The Easiest Way to Own Your Own Snake Plant

There are so many reasons to pick a snake plant as your next plant project. They bring beauty and drama to any room with their strong, sculptural leaves. Plus, they’re extremely easy to care for. 

If you order your snake plant from Bloomscape, you’ll receive a large, pre-potted snake plant that you can move into your space immediately. You don’t need to worry about repotting it, or finding a saucer to protect your floor – everything is included. 

All you’ll need to do is unpack the box, then sit back and enjoy the beauty and benefits of your brand-new snake plant.